Engine architecture
Boxer twin throughout
Every RT since 1979 has been a BMW boxer twin. Air-cooled (R1100RT 1996), air/oil-cooled (R1200RT 2005), liquid-cooled (R1200RT 2014+). Same fundamental layout — flat-twin with cylinders sticking out either side — for over 45 years.
Power gain
+53bhp
90bhp R1100RT → 143bhp R 1300 RT. 59% more horsepower. Most of the gain came from the 2014 liquid-cooled "wethead" engine; the 2025 R1300 added another 18bhp on top through bigger capacity (1300cc).
Real cost change
−£3k
R1100RT was £11,000 in 1996 (£22,000 today). R 1300 RT base is £21,755 — about 14% cheaper in real terms. BMW has held the RT flagship price below inflation despite adding radar adaptive cruise, IMU electronics, 10.25" TFT.
Radar adaptive cruise
New for 2025
The R 1300 RT gained radar-based adaptive cruise control in 2025 — the first BMW tourer with the system. The radar also enables Front Collision Warning. Multistrada V4 had it first (2021); BMW followed; KTM, Triumph and others now offer it on premium tourers.
Weight similar
−1kg
282kg wet R1100RT → 281kg wet R 1300 RT. Modern bike basically identical weight to original despite more electronics, radar, larger fuel tank, bigger TFT. BMW has prioritised weight discipline on the RT for 30 years.
Rider aids count
2 → 12
1996: ABS + fuel injection. 2026: cornering ABS Pro, traction control, slide control, ride modes (4), adaptive cruise (radar), collision warning (radar), keyless ignition, electronic suspension, electric windshield, smartphone, hill start, dynamic brake control. Class-leading suite.
Cheapest way in
£3.5k
A clean R1100RT from the late 90s. Boxer twin, BMW build quality, ABS standard. The honest BMW tourer before the brand chased horsepower numbers. Telelever front end is unique to BMW — handles like nothing else.
